This winter was extremely hard on the track. If we continue to run in the winter, I suggest putting some consideration in to track rebuilds and or a more historic option of oak shims under frost heaves.

This winter was extremely hard on the track. If we continue to run in the winter, I suggest putting some consideration in to track rebuilds and or a more historic option of oak shims under frost heaves.

Joe, Please describe the "historic option of oak shims" How do they work? How do you install them"

Bill, the oak shims are used between the tie and the rail. It levels the track back out in a low spot, without tamping. Used in the winter when everything is frozen. Then removed in the spring when it starts thawing. A lot of extra work.

I worked at a summer camp for a few summers. Cutting through the property was the rail bed of the former Ligonier Valley Railroad. There were several hundred feet of this "washboard" like is pictured above. You definitely had to slow down when you ran the mower through that section...